I am into the 14th day after seeding a yard in which I prepared as followed. I killed existing weed vegetation, core aerated by several passes (should have done more as had some severe compaction), seeded with lesco transition blend (rebel IV, turn berry tall, and sequester tall fescue), fertilized with a starter fret. I saw germination at 5 days and shady areas have come in great. Other areas are ok. The grass is not growing well in what appears to be the areas over the septic drain field aka leech field. Also there are a few other thin and slow growing areas. I have done my best to keep it watered. But this meant once daily for 15 mins usually. Weather hasn't been to hot so I think I did ok. So my question is should I worry yet about the areas thinly growing and/ or the drain field areas? I didn't realize until grass started growing that the dips over the drain field were so noticable. It was not feasible for me to bring in any topsoil or organic compost this year. Previously grass and weeds both grew over the fields. It was an uncared for lawn before we bought the house this year. Thanks.

ron mexico75

10-04-2012, 11:25 AM

Well even though you saw germination as soon as 5 days, it can take up to 28 days for seed to germinate. If you just aerated in thin areas and want thick turf, you sometimes have to top dress or, at the minimum, cover the areas that were seeded with a mulching material. Even better would have been to "rough up" those areas so the soil was loose before seeding.

Aeration seems to work best for established turf not necessarily for getting grass to grow in bare or very thin areas. I think thatís a big misconception, especially with calls from people I get.

It wouldn't hurt to put down some more seed in those areas that you are not satisfied with. You still have some time in zone 7a. If possible, I would use some organic soil material and/or a mulching material to ensure that seed stays damp and protected until it gets rooted.